Tropical North Queensland Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Magnetic Island which includes general coastal views, a sandy beach and jet skiing
Tropical North Queensland
Maritime Museum of Townsville which includes a lighthouse
Tropical North Queensland
Magnetic Island National Park showing rugged coastline and general coastal views

Rainforests, reefs, grasslands and outback: this part of Australia is a fascinating place of diverse natural attractions and cultural gems.

Tropical North Queensland is a land of extraordinary natural beauty and diversity. This rich environment has helped shape the indigenous culture, which stretches back more than 40,000 years. Embark on a jungle safari, dive the world's largest coral reef system, witness traditional practices and wander through ancient lava tubes.

The gateway to the tropical wonderland of North Queensland is Cairns, a modern, laid-back city on Australia's east coast. Make a day of it on white-sand beaches or tackle the slides at Sugar World Water Park.

Cairns is also an ideal base for exploring one of the world’s greatest natural wonders, the Great Barrier Reef. Discover its remarkable biodiversity on a snorkeling or diving trip. Get your heart pumping above the surface with watersports such as parasailing and jet skiing.

Surrounding Cairns is the Wet Tropics Rainforests, thought to be the world’s oldest rainforests. Go on long-distance bushwalks, join crocodile spotting tours and picnic by waterfalls. These rainforests have been home to Aboriginal peoples for thousands of years. Learn about the Pamagirri culture and watch a tribal dance show at the Rainforestation Nature Park.

Located 56 miles (90 kilometers) southwest of Cairns is the Atherton Tablelands, part of the Great Dividing Range. This fertile highland region encompasses rainforests, crater lakes, wetlands and savannah. Enjoy an epic bike ride through Atherton Forest, go on self-drive tours and visit the mountain village of Kuranda. Browse its markets, book a riverboat cruise and see tropical butterflies at the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary.

Stop by Atherton town and tour the Hou Wang Chinese Temple and Museum for insights into the region's Chinese settlers.

Leave enough time to experience more of Tropical North Queensland's environs. Explore the gorges, limestone caves and fossil fields of the Gulf of Savannah, a vast outback region. Venture into a lava tube cave system at Undara Volcanic National Park.

If you are traveling from overseas, fly into Cairns and get ready for a vacation of incredible wildlife encounters, awe-inspiring scenery and fascinating cultural insights.

Where to stay in Tropical North Queensland

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Palm Cove

Palm Cove is known for its stunning beaches, and with sights like Palm Cove Beach and Kuranda National Park, you won't get bored spending a day wandering around this part of Cairns.

Palm Cove
Cairns which includes a city

Cairns Central Business District

4.5/5(69 area reviews)

Cairns Central Business District is beloved for its popular shops. Take some time to explore sights in the area like Esplanade Lagoon and Cairns Marlin Marina.

Cairns Central Business District
Trinity Beach showing tropical scenes, a sandy beach and surfing

Trinity Beach

Trinity Beach is known for its stunning beaches, and with sights like Trinity Beach and Kewarra Beach, you won't get bored spending a day wandering around this part of Cairns.

Trinity Beach
Cairns Esplanade featuring a luxury hotel or resort, swimming and a pool

Cairns North

Pristine beaches and ample dining options are well-reviewed features of Cairns North. Make a stop by top sights like Cairns Esplanade Charles Street Parkland while you're exploring the area.

Cairns North
Clifton Beach which includes mountains, a luxury hotel or resort and golf

Clifton Beach

Clifton Beach is known for its pristine beaches, and you can make a stop by Clifton Beach and Palm Cove Beach while in the area.

Clifton Beach
The Strand which includes a sunset, hiking or walking and a garden

The Strand

The beaches and abundant dining options are top of the list for many visitors to The Strand. A stop by The Strand Beach or Strand Waterpark might round out your trip.

The Strand
Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, Port Douglas

Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, Port Douglas

5 out of 5
Port Douglas Road, Port Douglas, QLD
The price is ₹26,966 per night from 5 Aug to 6 Aug
₹26,966
₹29,663 total
5 Aug - 6 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this beach hotel in Port Douglas. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 12 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (961 reviews)
"My Wife and I had a very enjoyable stay at the Grand Sheraton Mirage Port Douglas. The staff were amazing, the facilities were amazing and the buffet breakfast was fantastic. We would definitely stay there again."

Reviewed on 11 Jul 2025

Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, Port Douglas
Hilton Cairns

Hilton Cairns

5 out of 5
34 Esplanade, Cairns, QLD
The price is ₹17,711 per night from 2 Aug to 3 Aug
₹17,711
₹19,482 total
2 Aug - 3 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Cairns. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), room service and a 24-hour health club. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,000 reviews)
"A nice location to explore Cairns. Good hotel, nice view."

Reviewed on 12 Jul 2025

Hilton Cairns
Cairns Harbourside Hotel

Cairns Harbourside Hotel

4 out of 5
209-217 Esplanade, Cairns North, QLD
The price is ₹11,809 per night from 10 Aug to 11 Aug
₹11,809
₹12,990 total
10 Aug - 11 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Cairns. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,011 reviews)
"Great stay although only downside was lack of plates and knives and mugs etc."

Reviewed on 13 Jul 2025

Cairns Harbourside Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Mantra Trilogy

Mantra Trilogy

4 out of 5
101 - 105 The Esplanade, Cairns, QLD
Stay at this 4-star beach aparthotel in Cairns. Enjoy free parking, a fitness centre and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
7.2/10 Good! (1,241 reviews)
"As expected comfortable and well located. Car parking is of concern as there is not enough on site and alternative is 3-4 block walk away - not idea for female guest in evening. No valet option either"

Reviewed on 6 Jul 2025

Mantra Trilogy
Madison Ocean Breeze

Madison Ocean Breeze

3.5 out of 5
81 Mitchell Street, North Ward, QLD
Stay at this 3.5-star beach aparthotel in Townsville. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (543 reviews)
"Great location, friendly and helpful staff, spacious and clean apartment."

Reviewed on 11 Jul 2025

Madison Ocean Breeze
Silkari Lagoons Port Douglas

Silkari Lagoons Port Douglas

4.5 out of 5
2 Langley Road, Port Douglas, QLD
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Port Douglas. Enjoy free parking, 6 outdoor pools and an airport shuttle (surcharge). Our guests praise the pool and ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,112 reviews)
"Absolutely beautiful resort. Friendly staff quiet & clean spacious great location."

Reviewed on 13 Jul 2025

Silkari Lagoons Port Douglas
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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